MILIKA CENTER FOR THERAPY & RESILIENCE
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy | Los Angeles
Our expert team of CBT therapists can help you overcome obstacles, build confidence, and unlock your full potential.
- Research-backed CBT to rewire unhelpful patterns: Break free from automatic, unhelpful thought and behavioral patterns that have held you back for years. Our therapists guide you in recognizing and replacing these patterns with new, healthy ones that lead to improved emotional states and increased well-being.
- CBT-based resilience training that transforms setbacks into growth opportunities and builds resilience.
- Premier VR therapy integrated with CBT, delivering innovative anxiety & phobia treatment in a unique, highly effective way.
- Evening, in-person, & virtual sessions for people across California, with offices in Encino & Brentwood.
- Insurance reimbursement support: Our team provides superbills and coordinates with our partnered third-party agency (Mentaya) to process your claims, freeing you to focus on your healing journey.
- Comprehensive support for individuals and families: Our team provides expert therapy services tailored to the needs of children, teens, adults, and families, including those with unique professional demands, parenting challenges, and personal growth goals.
- Industry-specific expertise serving medical professionals, entertainment workers, athletes & more.
- Data-driven progress tracking: We use standardized measures to track your symptoms and progress over time, ensuring that our CBT approach is tailored to your unique needs and goals.
About Milika Center for Therapy & Resilience
At MILIKA, we specialize in delivering evidence-based cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), the gold standard treatment for numerous mental health challenges, including major depression, anxiety disorders, PTSD, and more. Our expert team combines traditional CBT techniques with cutting-edge virtual reality therapy, offering a unique treatment approach that sets us apart from other Los Angeles service providers.
We understand that seeking therapy is a significant step, which is why our practice creates an environment where warmth meets clinical excellence. Whether you're struggling with anxiety, stress, or life transitions, our diverse team of psychologists and therapists provides personalized treatment plans that build on your existing strengths while developing new coping strategies.
What makes our approach unique is our focus on resilience training alongside CBT. We don't just help you overcome current challenges—we equip you with practical tools and strategies that enhance your psychological flexibility, ensuring lasting positive change. Through data-driven methods and measurable outcomes, we've helped countless individuals in Los Angeles and across California transform setbacks into stepping stones for personal growth.
2 of the best cognitive behavioral therapists in Los Angeles
1. Dr. Kanchi Wijesekera, Ph.D.
Dr. Kanchi brings over a decade of expertise in cognitive behavior therapy to her role as Clinical Director at MILIKA. Her distinguished career includes serving as Outpatient Director of Clinical Psychology at UCLA's Pediatric Heart Transplant Center and supporting medical professionals at the UCLA Behavioral Wellness Center. A mother of two and a Sri Lankan native, Dr. Kanchi combines her clinical excellence with cultural sensitivity to provide comprehensive mental health care.
Specializing in maternal mental health, physician wellness, and medical trauma, she pioneered the integration of virtual reality therapy with traditional CBT approaches. Dr. Kanchi earned her Ph.D. from Loma Linda University and completed specialized training at prestigious institutions including Stanford and UCLA. Her unique background—from competitive Bollywood dancing at UC Berkeley to founding MILIKA—informs her holistic approach to mental wellness and resilience training.
2. Dr. Venus Mirbod, Psy.D. ("Dr. V")
Dr. Venus Mirbod ("Dr. V") is a clinical psychologist renowned for combining evidence-based CBT with specialized maternal mental health expertise. Following her doctoral training at Pepperdine University, she completed prestigious appointments at Boston Children's Hospital (Harvard Medical School) and UCSF. Dr. V's integrative approach spans multiple age groups, from early childhood through adulthood, with particular emphasis on supporting expecting and new mothers through postpartum challenges.
Drawing on advanced training in trauma-informed care and play therapy, she creates safe spaces for children and teens while helping parents navigate early childhood development. Her natural ability to build trust with young clients, combined with extensive experience in pediatric psychology and chronic medical conditions, makes her an invaluable resource for families seeking comprehensive mental health support.
Why choose our Los Angeles cognitive behavioral therapy clinic
Evidence-based innovation
We merge traditional CBT with cutting-edge virtual reality therapy, offering scientifically proven treatments in an immersive environment. This innovative approach helps clients overcome anxiety and phobias more effectively than conventional methods alone.
Specialized expertise
Our clinicians bring unique backgrounds from prestigious institutions like UCLA, Harvard, and UCSF, with specialized training in maternal mental health, medical trauma, and digital wellness. This diverse expertise ensures targeted treatment for your specific needs.
Flexible care options
Access top-tier therapy on your schedule with evening appointments and seamless virtual sessions. We maintain offices in Encino and Brentwood while serving clients across California through secure online platforms.
Measurable results
We utilize data-driven methods to track progress and adjust treatment plans, ensuring your therapy journey produces concrete improvements in managing anxiety, life transitions, and more.
Cultural sensitivity
Our diverse team of clinicians brings multicultural awareness to every session, drawing from varied backgrounds and lived experiences. We provide culturally-informed CBT that acknowledges and respects your unique identity, values, and life experiences.
Comprehensive support
Beyond individual therapy, we offer concierge insurance reimbursement services, removing administrative barriers so you can focus entirely on your mental health journey.
Common reasons why people seek CBT therapy
Anxiety disorders
Break free from overwhelming worry and fear through proven CBT techniques. Our therapists help you identify anxiety triggers, develop practical strategies to cope, and build confidence in challenging situations.
Depression
Transform negative thought patterns and regain your sense of purpose. Using structured CBT approaches, we help you recognize and modify depressive thinking while building meaningful daily activities.
Trauma & PTSD
Process difficult experiences in a safe, supportive environment. Our trauma-informed CBT helps you understand your responses, develop healthy coping mechanisms, and reclaim your sense of safety.
Relationship issues
Strengthen connections and improve communication through evidence-based relationship tools. CBT helps identify harmful patterns, enhance emotional expression, and build stronger bonds.
Stress & coping difficulties
Master stress management through practical CBT strategies. Learn to identify stressors, develop resilience, and maintain balance in demanding situations.
Burnout
Recover from exhaustion and rediscover motivation. Our CBT approach helps professionals set boundaries, manage expectations, and restore work-life harmony.
Sleeping difficulties (insomnia)
Restore natural sleep patterns through CBT techniques. Address thoughts and behaviors that disrupt sleep while developing healthy sleep habits.
Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Enhance focus and organization through structured CBT strategies. Learn practical tools for time management, task completion, and emotional regulation.
Anger issues
Transform anger into constructive expression. CBT helps you recognize triggers, develop cooling strategies, and respond to frustration effectively.
Self-esteem issues
Build confidence and self-acceptance through proven CBT methods. Challenge negative self-talk while developing a stronger, more authentic sense of self.
When another practice may be a better fit for your needs
While we're committed to providing exceptional CBT and mental health services, we recognize that our practice may not be the ideal match for every situation. We want to ensure you receive the most appropriate care for your needs, so we recommend considering other treatment providers if:
- You require immediate crisis intervention or emergency mental health services
- You reside outside of California, as our providers are licensed to practice only within the state
- You seek intensive outpatient or residential treatment programs
- You need specialized treatment for active substance use disorders
- You require psychological testing or formal assessments
- You seek court-mandated therapy or custody evaluations
- Your insurance requires in-network providers (we provide out-of-network reimbursement support only)
If you're unsure whether our practice is the right fit for you and your family, we encourage you to reach out for a free consultation.
Start working with one of our LA CBT therapists today
Ready to take the first step toward lasting positive change? Schedule your free consultation to explore how our evidence-based CBT approach can help you build resilience and thrive. Whether you prefer in-person sessions in Encino and Brentwood or virtual appointments across California, our premier team of psychologists and therapists is here to support your journey. Contact us today to discover how CBT can help you reach your goals.
